The first reading of the new play being developed by Buntport Theater as a commission for the Denver Center Theatre Company will be held at noon Friday, June 11, in the Jones Theatre, located at 13th and Arapahoe streets.

DCTC artistic director Kent Thompson has commissioned the award-winning Buntport Theater, which for nine years has presented only original works, to develop and create an multimedia production centering on Nikola Tesla.

The Buntport ensemble is collaborating on the project with the DCTC’s resident multimedia specialist, Charlie Miller.

“This is an opportunity for members of the audience to experience an innovative new play in the early experimental stages,” the DCTC said in a press release.
Tesla was one of the most important contributors to the birth of commercial electricity, and is best known for his many revolutionary developments in the field of electromagnetism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This commissioned work will explore the end of Tesla’s life.

Tesla is not seen in the play, but is heard commenting on the production through a radio broadcast. During this work-in-progress reading, audience members will have the opportunity to listen to Tesla’s voice through the Denver Center’s listening devices commonly used to amplify sound for patrons.

A talkback will be held following the reading, and audience feedback will assist in the further development of the play, which will be considered for inclusion in next February’s Colorado New Play Summit.

The reading is complimentary, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Buntport is currently presenting the musical “Jugged Rabbit Stew” at its theater, 717 Lipan St., through June 19. Call 720-946-1388 or go to www.buntport.com.